| Chapter 20: The Family “People, you’re papers are due Monday, so I wish you luck. Later everyone.” The professor was at his desk when Lauralee gave him the paper. “Finished already Miss Deverson?” “Got some things to take care of this weekend, so I did it early. Is it OK?” “No fine. Have a good day.” “Thanks!” She grabbed her bag and headed out to the car, where she drove home almost bypassing the speed limit. She headed right to she shower, when the phone rang. “Hello?” “Let me guess, you were heading to the shower?” “Yeah Lau, you?” “Was just gonna, until I had to get this out. LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!” Lauralee let out a big laugh. “I will unless I get ready. Tell Veronica I’ll pick you guys up in about an hour.” “Later gator.” “Bye.” Letting a big smile cross her face, she headed to the shower. ~*~ Lauralee didn’t even have to honk the horn when she saw Laura and Veronica sitting on Laura’s stoop. They clambered into Lauralee’s car. “Let’s go, let’s go!” Veronica yelled. “They’ve been at the hotel for a hour already!” “Geez, what are you, Miss Itinerary?” Laura gave her a quizzical look. “I demand to know where my man is. Is that so wrong?” “Not to obsessive psychopaths,” Laura laughed. “Time check?” “About 30 minutes,” Lauralee concentrated on her driving. “The longest half hour of my life.” ~*~ The girls arrived in Manhattan in no time. They finally found a parking spot, and went inside the hotel. They’re were girls already in the lobby, giggling, and whispering away. “Great, how are they going to think that we’re not one of them,” Veronica motioned to the group in front of them. “Watch and learn,” Lauralee winked. They went up to the desk. “Excuse me?” She looked at the snooty woman in front of her. “Yes?” “Marcus Walker’s room please.” “And who, may I ask, is calling?” “Lauralee Deverson.” “One moment,” she slightly rolled her eyes as she picked up a phone. “Mr. Walker? There’s a Lauralee Deverson here to see you with some guests… oh… right away sir.” A tight smile came across her lips. “Suite 1216.” “Thank you.” They went to the elevator and pushed the button. The elevator ride seemed eternal as they made it up to the 12th floor. The doors opened to see Marcus standing there. “Hey girls!” He gave them all a hug. “Miss me?” “Of course,” Lauralee said. “On guard? “All the time,” Marcus winked. “They’re in suite 1214. Go right ahead.” “Thanks,” Veronica smiled. With trembling anticipation, they walked down the hall to the door. Lauralee knocked, and Brian answered it. “Uh sorry, no housekeeping today.” With a goofy smile he closed the door. Laura banged on the door. “LITTRELL! OPEN THIS DAMN DOOR!” Brian opened the door. “Boy are you girls frustrated. Go on in, because they’re as wired as you.” The girls went inside and were amazed at the place. There was a huge living room, with a baby grand piano in the corner. The view seemed to be spectacular, especially when they saw them. Howie and Kevin turned around to see Laura and Veronica. They ran to them, and swept them up in a hug. Lauralee smiled at the scene before them, but wanted to see… “Lau?” Alex came from the other room. Lauralee ran to him and embraced him, still remembering that same smell from his body. “God I missed you.” Alex took her hands and gave her a fierce kiss. He pulled away and put his forehead to hers. “I told you, until my lips fall off.” Lauralee laughed. She just wanted to stare into his brown eyes again, her eyelashes tickling hers. Lou Pearlman walked in with 3 other people: 2 adults and a girl Lauralee’s age. “Hi everybody!” He gave all the girls a hug. “Ladies, these are the boys other two managers: Johnny and Donna Wright,” he pointed to the 2 adults. “And this is Donna’s daughter, Marisa.” Lauralee’s head shot up. “Jackson?” Marisa came up to her. “It’s so nice to meet you,” she shook Laura’s hand. “I heard we have a lot in common.” Lauralee automatically didn’t like her, in her sickening sweet tone. Yeah I bet we have a lot in common. “Well everyone, looks like you have the afternoon off, and then you have a party the record company is throwing. Enjoy yourselves,” Lou smiled. Brian and Nick went to FAO Schwartz to check out the endless supply of video games. Kevin, Laura, Howie, and Veronica went to do some sightseeing. “Where’s your family?” Alex said. “My mother works down the street and she’s taking her lunch break now. We’re gonna go to the restaurant, which is down the street. My grandmother is probably waiting there already.” “Alright, let’s go then.” They walked to the restaurant and went inside where they saw Sandy and Catherine talking at the table and stood up when she saw Lauralee and Alex. “Mom, Grandma, this is Alex McLean. Alex, this is my mother, Sandy Deverson, and my grandmother, Catherine Deverson.” Sandy shook Alex’s hand. “Nice to meet you.” “Likewise.” Catherine gave Alex a hug. “I have heard so much about you from your grandmother.” She cupped his face in her hands. “I see so much of your grandmother in you it’s almost scary.” “With the personality to match,” Alex laughed. They all sat down to eat. Catherine told more stories of her and Ursula’s adventures together, and Sandy asked Alex about the entertainment business, for Sandy worked at a PR firm. “I just want to know one thing,” Sandy had a serious look on her face. “Yes?” Alex looked back at her with the same look. “Being at the other end of this business, I know how some celebrities can act, and…” Alex held his hands up. “Mrs. Deverson, I know what you’re about to say. I won’t say that I haven’t given into temptations on the road. But I’ll say one thing. You’re daughter has been the best thing that has come into my life in a long time. I would never do anything to hurt her. And if I do, you have my permission to kick my butt all over Manhattan.” Sandy smiled. “Will you sign an affidavit to the fact?” “Mom!” “Kidding honey,” Sandy looked at her watch. “Oh, I have to get back.” They all stood up. Sandy gave Alex a hug. “It was so nice to meet you.” Catherine also hugged Alex. “I know you’ll treat my girl right. Please tell Ursula to call me when she gets the chance.” “I will,” Alex and Lauralee watched them leave. “I can see where you come from.” “How?” “Your mother’s seriousness and your grandmother’s fire.” Lauralee laughed. “You should come to Thanksgiving. You’d never believe it if I told you.” Chapter 21 Contents Chapter 19 |